11 November 2011

Dear Friends

We have a special offer for you for the Shores Got Talent Quest @ the Vic this Saturday night 12 November 2011 at 6.30pm.  This is the final gala night when the winner will be chosen - $3,000 up for grabs.  Here's your chance to see the next wave of Shore talent.

With every $25.00 adult ticket sold -  a child can go free!

Tickets can be obtained at the cinema - print out this email to receive your free ticket.

See you at the Vic!

Kind regards
Lynn Smart

3 November 2011

Dear Friends

Thank you to All the Friends of the Vic

I have received lovely emails from the Benwell brothers thanking the Friends of the Vic for making them feel so welcome on the 99th anniversary.  As Adam Benwell wrote in his email

Thank you for an amazing day last week.  It was so inspiring to meet and chat with the community
of people surrounding the theatre and see all the effort that was put into the event.  I will never
forget it.

And Jason Benwell wrote in his email

We felt truly blessed to be considered part of such a tight knit community for the day. Devonport is a
wonderful town and you all have done such a great job with saving the Victoria theatre.

A thousand thanks for all your lovely plates of food. It all contributed to making the day so successful.     

Live Events Line-Up @ the Vic

1.  6th November -  Shore Talent Quest - Heats - Tickets $10 click here

2.  8th November - 8pm  -  Narrowneck Playcentre proudly presents 'Stand up at the
Vic' - featuring Paul Ego, Jesse Griffin and Urzila Carlson  Tickets $25.00 click here

2.  12th November - Shore Talent Quest - Gala Finals Night -  6.30pm - Tickets $25.00
click here

3.  16th November -  The Vic Unplugged 2 -  7.00pm - Tickets $30.00  click here

4.   2nd December  -  Mike King Comedy Night - 8.30pm  click for more details.

Cinema @ the Vic

Jane Eyre and the brooding Mr Rochester lived up to expectation :-)   My pick for this week is Little White Lies (Les petits mouchoirs) R16 starting this week.  check it out here

Or go to www.iconiccinemas.co.nz for the full selection.

See you at the Vic!

Kind regards
Lynn Smart

10 October 2011 - Email to Friends of the Vic

Dear Friends

Exciting news!  We have a very special event we would like to invite you to on the 26th October 2011 at 12.00 midday

26th October 12.00 -  midday - 99th Anniversary of the Vic - join us for a kiwi style Friends of the Vic shared lunch with the descendants of the John Leon Benwell family.  Mr J L Benwell founded and built the Victoria Picture Palace & Theatre in 1912 and his two great grandsons are coming from America to Devonport to help us celebrate this exciting day.  We will be presenting them with photos and unveiling Benwell family photos in the Victoria Theatre followed by a shared lunch in the foyer.   After the lunch there will be a free film.  We would love to see you there! Can you help us by bringing a plate?  Please email me if you can assist.  

26 October - 2.00pm  - Free film - The Victoria Picture Palace & Theatre will be showing a French thriller to celebrate this day.  "Roman de Gare" 

Submit to Shore Talent Quest - Live @ The Vic - Calling for audition submissions now.
Whatever your talent, this is your chance to strut your stuff live on stage @ The Vic.  $3,000 in cash prizes and the chance to perform at Food and Wine and Vic Unplugged.  For more info, check out www.thevic.co.nz  Submission deadline is 23rd October.  Heats on November 6, Final Gala Night November 12.  Presented to you by Devonport Rotary to raise funds for the Vic's restoration.

8 November - 8pm Stand Up @ The Vic  - Tickets $25.00
Narrowneck Playcentre proudly presents 'Stand up @ The Vic' - a live comedy event.  Join us for an evening of comic genius with 3 of the very best of kiwi comedy talent.  Award winning comedians and stars of TV3's very papular '7Days' - Paul Ego (winner of Billy T Comedy Award), Jesse Griffin (International Award Winner) and Urizila Carlson (winner 'Best Female Comedian' 2010 NZ comedy Guild Awards).  A silent auction and raffle will run throughout the evening.  All proceeds benefit Narrowneck Playcentre.
Book this event here

16 November - 7pm - The Vic Unplugged 2 - Tickets $30.00
Back by popular demand.  Artists include Annah Mac, Jesse Sheehan, 5 Mile Town, Petra Bullock, Ella Yellich O'Connor and friends.  Presented by Mike Chunn and Paul Ego.  Tickets available from the Vic Theatre or www.iconiccinemas.co.nz

Movies @ The Vic - heaps on for the School Holidays and continuing this week till 12th October The New Zealanders on the Western Front: 3 Documentaries commemorating the 94th Anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele. 10am daily @ The Vic.  Check out the full movie selection.  My pick - Bill Cunningham's New York

See you at the Vic!

Kind regards
Lynn Smart

31 August 2011

Dear Friends

Thank you to all you wonderful people who assisted with the working bee on Saturday - the theatre is looking spic and span and a large skip was collected on Monday full of rubbish.  Your help is important to us.  Special thanks to Colin Cannon for organising this event and the team from Devonport Rotary.

Would you like to be a Victoria Theatre Tour Guide? - The Victoria Theatre Trust is looking for Friends of the Vic who would like to volunteer to be Tour Guides of the Theatre.  This would be for day time tours and training would be provided (during the week - probably one morning).  We are running tours during Heritage Week in September but would like to run tours at other times.  Please contact me on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are interested.

4 September 2011 4pm - 'Sunday at Four with Michael Hurst'      Tickets $12, $10 concession
Join us for the second speaker in the 'Sunday at Four' series of talks.  Michael Hurst is a very entertaining speaker.  Net proceeds to the Victoria Theatre Trust

18 September 2011  10am - midday - Auckland Heritage Festival - New Zealand Film Archive Event
The screening is entitled:
Early films of the North Shore

A selection of silent films showing Auckland’s Harbour and North Shore. The films include footage of the 1912 Auckland Anniversay Yachting Regatta, trawling in the Hauraki gulf, the advertising film “Romantic and Sea-girt Northshore”(1928) and one of Rudall Hayward’s community comedy “A Takapuna Scandal” (1928).

Movie and pianist supplied by the New Zealand Film Archive with sponsorship from the Civic Trust in conjunction with The Victoria Theatre Trust and the Auckland Heritage Festival.   Followed by speaker - Margot McRae with Q & A.  Cafe opens at 9.30am.  Tickets $10 (proceeds to the Victoria Theatre Trust).  

18 September 2011 4pm - Gary McCormick and Mayor Tim Shadbolt - Tickets $25
Stand-up comedy at its best! Tickets selling fast! 

19th and 23rd September - Auckland Heritage Festival - Tour of the Vic - tickets $5
19 September Monday 10am - 12pm - Tour and short film
21 September Wednesday 10am - SOLD OUT
23 September Friday 10am - 12pm - Tour and short film

Coming to the Vic
November 2011 - Shore Talent Quest - Live @ The Vic
See you at the Vic!
Lynn Smart

22 August 2011 - email to Friends of the Vic

Dear Friends

27th August - 8am to midday - Working Bee @ the Vic in conjunction with Devonport Rotary Club
Can you help with the working bee?  Any help you can give us on Saturday would be greatly appreciated.  There is some lifting and moving of old seats, a general clean up of the side path vegetation, moving of cleaning gear from the store cupboard, reorganisation of the greenroom, some washing of walls and painting of doors and other bits and pieces.  Please wear old clothes and suitable gloves, if you live close by you may be able to bring a wheelbarrow and shovel.  If you are able to help please contact Colin Cannon on ph 9633453 mob 021 2960407 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

4 September 2011 4pm - 'Sunday at Four with Michael Hurst'      Tickets $12, $10 concession
Join us for the second speaker in the 'Sunday at Four' series of talks.  Michael Hurst is an actor with many celebrated performances to his credit and is also highly regarded as one of New Zealand's leading theatre directors.  In particular, he is recognised as an innovative and profound interpreter of Shakespeare.  He has worked in film, theatre and television throughout New Zealand and in both Australia and the United States.  He is Patron of the Q Theatre and Patron of TAPAC (The Auckland Performing Arts Centre), Chair of the AUSA Summer Shakespeare Trust and Trustee and founding member of The Actors' Program.  In 2003 Michael received the prestigious Laureate Award from the Arts Foundation of New Zealand and in 2005 he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to film and the theatre.  Net proceeds to the Victoria Theatre Trust.

18 September 2011  10am - midday - Auckland Heritage Festival - New Zealand Film Archive Event
Step back in time and come along to a special one off screening of historic silent movie footage.  Movie and pianist supplied by the New Zealand Film Archive with sponsorship from the Civic Trust in conjunction with The Victoria Theatre Trust and the Auckland Heritage Festival.   Followed by speaker - Margot McRae with Q & A.  Cafe opens at 9.30am.  Tickets $10 (proceeds to the Victoria Theatre Trust).  


18 September 2011 4pm - Gary McCormick and Mayor Tim Shadbolt - Tickets $25
Stand-up comedy at its best! 

19th and 23rd September - Auckland Heritage Festival - Tour of the Vic - tickets $5
19 September Monday 10am - 12pm - Tour and short film
23 September Friday 10am - 12pm - Tour and short film

Coming to the Vic
November 2011 - Shore Talent Quest - Live @ The Vic

See you at the Vic!
Lynn Smart

5 August 2011

The Victoria Theatre Trust is pleased to announce its long-term strategy for the restoration of the theatre building.  We have now taken on key designers and engineers who will work with us on plans to fully restore the Victoria, carry out earthquake strengthening and improve amenities.  A key element is to reinstate the 1930’s circle lounge by relocating the small Benwell cinema to the rear of the upper level Albert cinema. This will improve the spaces where patrons can gather and restore an important heritage feature of the building.  All the interior plaster work will be restored and hidden features will be uncovered in line with the building’s conservation plan. A lift will be installed and the lower theatre’s stage facilities will be improved.

The Trust is delighted that Pip Cheshire will be the lead architect, working with Salmond Reed as heritage consultants. Cheshire Architects led the restoration of the Britomart heritage precinct and the Q Theatre and Pip is highly enthusiastic about being involved with the Victoria.  We have taken on local structural engineer Bob McGuigan, of MSC Consulting and Martin Quartermaine as quantity surveyor.  Mark Sigglekow and myself will be working with them to produce a Restoration Concept plan by November this year. Then the Trust will be in a position to begin applying for major grants to fund the restoration.

Margot McRae
Co-Chair VTT

Coming Events @ The Vic
7 August - Sunday at Four with Roger Hall - 4pm @ the Vic -  Fifteen Years to be an Overnight Success
Liven up your winter Sundays with the Friends of the Vic speaker series and come along and listen to Roger's entertaining talk about his life and works.  Tickets Adults $12, $10 concession.  Roger will be selling copies of his plays in the foyer after the talk.
Click here to book a ticket now

9th - 14th August      PREMIERE OF EXCITING NEW PLAY AT THE VIC -  SHOWING NOW 8PM NIGHTLY
INTIMACIES BY STEPHEN SINCLAIR.  PRODUCED BY OUTBOX THEATRE COMPANY.


Intimacies is two thematically-linked one act plays.  It is set in the future and explores how new technologies are changing our lives and relationships.  This is the latest play by one of New Zealand’s most celebrated playwrights, writer of The Bach, The Bellbird and Ladies Night.  Eight-strong cast includes Leighton Cardno, Toby Leach and Yvette Parsons.  Click here to book a ticket now

18 August - Fundraiser for Volunteer Service Abroad -  premier of Billy T: Te Movie
Bar opens 6pm, movie starts 7.15pm - Tickets $20 - advance booking recommended, some door sales will be available.

VSA has been sending kiwis overseas for 50 years. Our volunteers pack-up their kiwi lives for two years to help with development projects; you might not be able to do this, but you can support our work. The cogs are in motion for me and other volunteers to head away for 2 years to volunteer in Papua New Guinea, Bougainville, Soloman Islands, Timor Leste and Tonga. Come along to support us.

You can pay cash or with internet banking, reference with your name and please also email Carol. Bank account: Carol Knutson, 38-9007-0306978-01
For tickets please text, phone or email Carol, 0274 288 664, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

See you at the Vic!
Lynn Smart

20 July 2011

Great Review - Edward Lear : A Collection of Nonsense The Owl & The Pussycat & Other Oddities
Outbox Theatre Company have received a great review for their production of Edward Lear : A Collection of Nonsense now running at the Vic:-

'Outbox Theatre Company has turned on a magical show for children, adults and nostalgic geriatrics alike.  From
quiet, sleepy beginning to the majestically extravagant closing number, the whole shebang jam-packed with
song, dance and above all, nonsense!  After all, as the man himself says: "A world without nonsense makes
no sense at all!"  New Zealand Theatre: theatre review  

This is school holiday entertainment at its best!

Friends of the Vic - call for help - Friday 29th July
We would like to celebrate the success of the Outbox Theatre Company show with a lunch at the Vic on Friday 29th July.  If you could assist us to host the actors and crew to a lunch by making a plate of sandwiches or a slice that would be fantastic.  Something small would be ideal.  We are keen to show our appreciation of the work of this great theatre company.  If you can help by making something delicious please email me soon on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

Other Friends of the Vic events coming soon that you need to know about and support
We have 3 Sundays at Four speakers lined up for you.
1.  7 August - Sunday at Four with Roger Hall
2.  4 September - Sunday at Four with Michael Hirst
3.  30 October - Sunday at Four with Peter Bland

These are all fundraisers for the Victoria Theatre Trust restoration fund - so come along and enjoy a glass of wine and hear interesting speakers talk about their lives in our wonderful heritage theatre.

World Premiere of Stephen Sinclair's Intimacies @ the Vic - It's too late for therapy!

INTIMACIES is two thematically linked one act plays by celebrated New Zealand dramatist Stephen Sinclair (The Bellbird, The Bach, Russian Snark). Both plays are set in the near future and explore the ways in which new technologies are changing our lives and relationships. Opens 9th August - 14 August 8pm at the Victoria Theatre.  More details on the Outbox Theatre Company website

See you at the Vic!

23 June 2011

We have lots of lovely live activities for you to enjoy during these cold, wet, winter months.

24th June - Friday 9.00pm - Comedy@theVic  R16
Sit back, grab a glass of wine/beer and put a smile on your dial.  All acts are fresh from this year's New Zealand International Comedy Festival.  Limited seats remaining.
Click here to book this show now.

1st July - Friday 7pm  Wonderfish Collective
Its not too late …by popular demand The Wonderfish Collective bring you a second show of live musical entertainment.  Saturdays show is a sell out!  Click here to book your Friday 7pm show now.

19th July - 29 July  - A Collection of Nonsense - The Owl & The Pussycat and other Oddities
Live theatre for the school holidays...  The Owl and The Pussycat went to the Vic in a beautiful heritage building!   This brand new adaptation of the works of Edward Lear by Steven Morrison promises to bring whimsy and fun to your school holidays.  Presented by the Outbox Theatre Company in association with Equity Law.  Starring Mark Mitchinson as Edward Lear directed by Elena Stejko.  Featuring graduates of the Auckland Actors Studio. Tickets $18 Adults, $15 concession $12 under 12.   Kids grab a grandparent - grandparents half price.  Click here to book now.

Movies @ the Vic
The David Lean series continues with Doctor Zhivago starting today.  Visit www.iconiccinemas.co.nz for the full movie selection.  

See you at the Vic!

Lynn Smart
Trust Secretary

19 May 2011

We have some exciting events to whet your appetite for film and theatre on now and coming soon to the Victoria Picture Palace & Theatre...

The Bear by A Chekov - Live Theatre - on now till Sunday 22 May 2011
Outbox Theatre Company have received a fantastic review for a production of The Bear.  Still time to see this fast-paced farce at the Vic!
Click here to check out times and book this show  

Came a Hot Friday - Film - 7pm Wednesday 25th May 2011 - fundraiser
PG, 97 mins Stars Billy T. James, Peter Bland & Phillip Gordon.  Directed by Ian Mune
This is a special offer to Friends of the Vic - tickets just $12 for this fundraising screening of the classic kiwi comedy. Print out this email and bring it with you to receive this special rate.  Meet the film's Director, Ian Mune and hear Ian talk about the making of this kiwi film.  You can also buy his recently published autobiography and get it autographed at the screening.  Proceeds to the Victoria Theatre Trust restoration.  Click here to book this film now

Hatch by Geoff Chapple  - Live Theatre - 8pm Monday 30th May 2011
A fund-raising performance starring renowned actor Stuart Devenie.  Hatch is a rollicking one-man play based on a shocking true story from New Zealand's past, with alarming insights into the country's record on conservation. Tickets $35.00 ph 09 445 8451 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  The evening is a fund-raiser for the Michael King Writers' Centre.

The Tempest - Film - Friday 3rd June - 8.15pm
Get thee to the Vic to enjoy this Shakespearean adaptation!  Directed by Julie Taymor.  Cast includes Helen Mirren and Russell Brand.  Rated M. Contains offensive language. Duration 1hr 50mins.  Come along  at 7.45pm to purchase your ticket and a glass of Gunn Estate wine (only $5), ready for the screening at 8.15pm.
A brief interlude will follow the film with drinks and tapas.  The evening will conclude with an illuminating and entertaining post-screening discussion.  Panelists include Prof.Neil (University of Auckland),  Bruce de Grut, Head of Drama at Takapuna Grammar School, Elena Stejko (Outbox Theatre), and more to be confirmed.  The evening will be MCed by Michael Miller our very own film buff and self-proclaimed movie geek!
Click here to book The Tempest now

The Victoria Picture Palace & Theatre is now licensed with beers and wines starting at $5.

See you at the Vic!
Lynn Smart
Trust Secretary

9 May 2011

Hello Friend of the Vic,

Thank you to everyone for supporting Te Radar’s Eating the Dog show. It was a sell-out and together with the auction and raffle, raised $2500 for the Trust. A very big thank-you to the artists involved and the local businesses who donated goods for the raffle.

Outbox Theatre - The Bear by Anton Chekov starts soon
Excitement is building at the Victoria for the opening of our first play of the year, Anton Chekhov’s  The Bear, starring Stephen Papps and Elena Stejko on May 10.  This is the beginning of a season of plays that Outbox Theatre Company will stage in the Victoria Theatre this year and we are thrilled that a company of this calibre wants to make the Vic its home base.

In July Outbox will stage a children’s play, Pippilongstocking and in August there will be a development season of Sweet Thing, a new play by a top New Zealand playwright Steven Sinclair, writer of The Bach,  Ladies Night and The Bellbird.
Later in the year Outbox will bring us California Suite by Neil Simon and Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol.
So a fabulous line-up of top quality theatre by fully professional actors.

Special Film Event for Friends  - 7pm Wednesday 25th May - Came A Hot Friday
PG, 97 mins
Stars Billy T. James, Peter Bland & Phillip Gordon
Directed by Ian Mune

Come and join the Victoria Theatre Trust at a fund raising screening of the classic kiwi comedy "Came A Hot Friday" back on the big screen. You'll also meet and hear the film's Director, the acclaimed thespian and all round good guy, Ian Mune, talk about the making of this kiwi icon. You can also buy his recently published auto-biography and get it autographed at the screening.

Time:  7pm, Wednesday May 25, and as a special offer to Friends of the Vic, you're entitled to buy a concession price ticket at just $12.  Buy a glass of wine at what we hope will finally be the fully licensed bar in the Victoria, serving wines and beers starting at just $5.

Book here now

Other News

The Anzac Day documentaries and the school holiday kids’ films have been a great success for the Victoria. It’s wonderful to see a new generation of youngsters coming to the Vic.

We now have a Victoria Picture Palace & Theatre marketing team and an online survey has been sent out to canvas opinion and gather feedback about the Victoria.  We need at least 300 people to participate in this survey so if all of our Friends of the Vic fill it in, we will meet that target.
We really want to know what you and your friends think about the Vic, so do please fill in the short survey. Just click on the link below.
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e3men4mygmqb1c9n/start

Don’t forget to book tickets now for The Bear, Chekhov’s funny, insightful farce about a heartless debt collector being overwhelmed by love. A sublime classic that still resonates in the current climate of foreclosure and financial meltdown. May 10 – May 22  www.iconiccinemas.co.nz or door sales. $28 adult, $22 concession.

See you at the Vic!
Margot McRae
VTT

Hello Friend of the Vic. Eating the Dog - Te Radar - 16th April  - silent auction 7.30pm  show 8pm

The Te Radar show, Eating the Dog is only a week away (Sat 16 April) and we would like to have good community support for this great live show.  Te Radar is a well-known satirist and raconteur and his one-man show has had huge success all around the country, winning several awards for best comedy.  It’s funny, clever and inspirational and celebrates the history that New Zealand tried to forget: the bumblers and near-do-wells who personify our ‘she’ll be right’ spirit. The show kicks off with an silent auction of artworks at 7.30pm followed by the show at 8pm

Silent Auction of Artworks - 7.30pm
We are delighted a number of Auckland artists have offered their paintings for a silent auction on the night with part of the proceeds going to the Vic.  This is your chance to get an artwork by artists such as Julia Henderson, Simon McIntyre and more at a great price! The paintings can be seen on our website and will be on display at the theatre three days before the show.  All the profits from the show are going to the Victoria Theatre Trust for our restoration fund.

Other News
Up until now it has sometimes been difficult for the Vic to get some of the best and latest films like The Kings Speech. Partly this is because the film distributors have their favourite cinemas and offer first choice for new releases to other cinemas. The film distributors also judge us on our audience numbers – the more people who see films at the Vic, the more inclined they will be to give us top films.  However this week we got the good news that a major distributor has finally agreed to supply us with its films. So next week we will be playing The King’s Speech and soon the family hit movie Rango.
This is a breakthrough for the Vic and a major step towards being able to compete with the big boys of cinema.
All our film listings are on our website www.thevic.co.nz or www.iconiccinemas.co.nz or pick up a brochure at the Vic.
And remember – Te Radar 16 April 7.30 tickets $25 – we want this to be a sell-out. We have a liquor licence so come early, have a drink, look at the art and have a great Saturday night at the Vic! Margot McRaeCo Chair VTT

4 March 2011 - Victoria Theatre Trust News

Hello Friend of the Vic

After a few months of organising we can now announce an exciting line-up of live events coming to the Vic this year.

Comedian, Te Radar will do a special fund-raising show at the Vic next month for one night only.  He'll be presenting his acclaimed 'Eating the Dog' one-man show on 16th April and proceeds will go to the restoration fund for the theatre.  Booking details to follow soon.  The show is a selection of tales about New Zealanders' who personify the archetypal 'she'll be right' attitude and has been reviewed as 'not only clever but inspiring, magical and fantastic story-telling'.  We're thrilled that Te Radar will kick off what promises to be a year of great live performances at the Vic.

A brand new theatre company Outbox Theatre Company, plans to present four to five plays at the Victoria theatre, starting with Chekov's The Bear in May. They'll also do a Pippilongstocking, a children's play in the school holidays, a Neil Simon play and a Christmas production.  Headed by professional actors Stephen Papps and Elena Stejko, Outbox wants to make the Vic its home base and provide quality productions at the theatre.  We're delighted to have an experienced team who are so enthusiastic about bringing a range of plays to the Devonport community.

On July 2 there will be another musical extravaganza from Wonderfish Musical Collective, an 'unplugged' show by a group of up to 30 musicians showcasing Devonport's musical talent.

Also this year we will be holding Sundays at Four, a series of talks by well-known and interesting kiwis.  Roger Hall will present his 'Fifteen Years to be an Overnight Success' talk in July and we have a number of other interesting speakers pencil booked.  These events are only the start - we also have a number of other shows that we will be able to confirm in the next few months.  As Friends of the Vic you will get advance booking notice of these events so you can be assured of getting a ticket!

The French and DocEdge film festivals have been well patronised but it's surprising that some Devonport people have not yet been to see a movie at the Vic!  Our audiences have been good, especially considering it's been a long hot summer but we would like to see our numbers rise.  So if you know someone who hasn't been to the Vic yet, get them along.  Community support has got us this far and it's the main thing that will keep the Vic going.  We've got a great year ahead for you, packed full of interesting movies and a range of live performances and fund-raising events that will see the Vic and Devonport buzzing.

See you at the Vic!

Margot McRae

Co-Chair VTT

28 December 2010 - Victoria Theatre Trust News

Hello Friends of the Vic

This year's re-opening of the Vic was capped off with the launch of Dida's wine and tapas bar last week.  The bar is humming every night and together with the Victoria Picture Palace, it creates a wonderful buzz at the top of the village.  We want to thank Liz Wheadon and her team at Glengarry's for the beautiful fit-out they have done on the bar.

John Davies has some great films screening over the summer break - a beautiful Italian film, Marcello, Marcello, the remastered opera gala film, Sutherland, Pavarotti and Bonynge and Gulliver's Travels for the kids.  Something for everyone.

Go to www.academycinemas.co.nz for daily listings - and then click on 'What's On Today'.

We are also working on an interesting programme of live events for next year, including music and theatre.

But for now the board wants to thank all our Friends for their support and good wishes over the year.  It has been a thrilling and hugely satisfying time to give the Vic back to the community.

See you at the movies!

Margot McRae

Co-Chair VTT

26 October 2010

Opening Gala Photos

Pick up your gala photos from StephengPerry Photography

0274 909978

or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

www.stephenperryphotography.co.nz

Films at the Victoria Theatre - Commencing 28th October 2010

From Thursday 28th October the Vic will be open to everyone with the screening of the new action comedy Red, starring Helen Mirren and Bruce Willis.

Also coming is Roman Polanski's The Ghost Writer, as well as South Solitary,  and  a new documentary The Nature of Existence.

A website for the Victoria Picture Palace and Theatre is up and running - go to www.thevictoriapicturepalace.co.nz for regular updates of film screenings.

Victoria Theatre News - 17 September 2010

We are delighted to announce that Harcourts of Devonport will sponsor out Vic Opening Gala Day on October 23.
The Board has been keen to hold an event that involves the community in celebrating the theatre, and with Harcourts’ support we can now make this happen. Linda McKay, our energetic event manager and Vic fan, is well on the way to creating a superb opening gala.

The confirmation of our gala coincides amazingly with the discovery of the long-lost photo of the opening of  the Vic, called Benwell’s Picture Palace in 1912. It was due to a determined piece of detective work by Michael Morley, who was involved in trying to save the Vic in the 1980’s, that led to this discovery of the only exterior photo of the opening day.
Michael rang phone directory in California and got a list of Benwells, then systemically began to ring them. After only a few calls he struck gold when he made contact with John Benwell’s great grandson Douglas Benwell.
He was thrilled to learn about the project to re-open the Vic and immediately sent photos from the family album. We are hugely grateful that Michael is still so committed to the Vic and has made this fantastic contact with the Benwell family.

The other good news this week is that leading economist and local man Adrian Orr, has joined the Victoria Theatre Trust. Adrian is the CEO of the New Zealand Superannuation Fund so brings a wealth of commercial experience and also great enthusiasm for the project.
We had a highly successful heritage week with good attendances and hugely positive feedback from audiences about how well the place is looking.
All the curtains have been hung, stage lights installed and the lighting is almost completed. Tom Smith has started on our exterior art deco signage and we’ve ordered a second-hand 35m projector and new speakers to be installed in the upstairs cinema.
Work has begun this week on the façade with the sign and other clutter being removed and scaffolding going up for the re-paint. We’ll be using a Porters lime-wash paint that will transform the faded pastel exterior to something more in line with its original 1929 look.
So an exciting and busy time with the clock ticking on our October deadline.

Margot McRae
Victoria Theatre Trust

Victoria Theatre Update

We have received a lot of positive feedback following our announcement that John Davies of the Academy will manage the Victoria Theatre for the VTT. Thank you for all your messages of support.

We now have a definite opening date – 26th October, the 98^th anniversary of the original opening in 1912, and a new name - The Victoria Picture Palace and Theatre.

We plan to have some events before the official opening, including heritage week tours of the Vic, plays and films and a Michael King Writers’ Centre event.

The major task before us now is to clean the whole theatre.

The great news is we have got rid of all the old seats and can now access every bit of the theatre spaces. We have a firm specialising in ceiling cleaning coming to clean the main auditorium ceilings and walls which are coated with decades of dust and cobwebs.

Then we will invite our supporters to help us with a huge cleaning bee which we will hold over a couple of weekends.

This will involve everything from scrubbing off peeling paint, cleaning the fire exits, to vacuuming and floor cleaning.

We will hold the first on the weekend of July 31/August from 10 until 3pm and the second the following weekend of August 7/8^th.

If you can’t physically help, provision of food and drinks will be hugely appreciated.

We have already received a number of emails from volunteer helpers and if you are keen to be part of this unique community experience, please email us on info@the vic.co.nz

When the Victoria is all shiny and clean we will hold an open day in August for groups and companies interested in staging live performances at the Victoria.

Margot McRae

For the Victoria Theatre Trust

 

 

Victoria Theatre Update - 6th July, 2010

Hello Friend of the Vic,

We’re pleased to announce that John Davies of Auckland’s Academy Cinema is to become the manager of the Victoria Theatre.
The Victoria Theatre Trust has this week drawn up a management agreement with John Davies who will run the three-theatre space for the Trust.
The Vic will show a range of films from the latest blockbuster hits and family films to art house cinema and film festival programming.
The downstairs theatre will also be available for a range of performing arts.
John Davies said he’s excited to reopen Auckland’s oldest cinema building and plans to use that heritage value to deliver programmes that excite and inspire people and bring new visitors to Devonport.
John Davies plans to base himself in Devonport so he can develop a community focus for the Victoria.
The theatre will officially open on October 26, the anniversary of its opening in 1912 and there will be some film showings and events before that date.
The VTT is thrilled to get a manger of the experience and calibre of John Davies. He is committed to the success of the Vic and has some wonderful ideas to make the theatre a vibrant part of the community.
We especially want to thank our fellow board member Derek Parker for the work he has put into the negotiations and the resulting heads of agreement.

We are now entering the final stages of the refurbishment of the Victoria. All interior painting has been finished and local painter Guy Anderson has done a beautiful job repainting the marbleised columns in the foyer.
The Board has decided not repaint the upper exterior of the theatre at this stage. Our plan to do a temporary paint job was not cost effective and the painting will have to wait until we do the full facade renovation in a year or two.
We feel it is more important to put our capital into interior work and equipment that will deliver comfort and good quality film and sound equipment, rather than glossing up the outside.
Our main challenge now is to get rid of about 260 retro 1970’s seats that are clogging up the theatre. We have sold only four on Trade Me and they are destined for a scrap metal merchant if we can find one that will take them.
If anyone wants any of the seats - perfect for a retro do-it yourself home theatre - do send us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
We’re also gathering a list of people who want to be involved in a spring clean of the theatre once the building and painting work is complete. If you’re interest send please us an email.

Thank you everyone for your support and see you at the Vic soon!
Margot McRae
Co-Chair Victoria Theatre Trust
28th May, 2010

The Victoria Theatre update

Hello Friends of the Vic,

The refurbishment work at the Victoria Theatre is steaming ahead and we’re making very good progress.
The lower street façade, foyer and stairway are being painted and a new heating system is being fitted through all the theatres.
The small George cinema upstairs is having a complete refit to turn it into a comfortable 40-seat digital art house cinema.
It has been enlarged and painted, and the free cinema seats we got from Hamilton will be installed. It will have new curtains and its art deco features will be highlighted.
In the large upstairs cinema our builders have been busy repairing a truss and installing the Hamilton seats. This has been a logistical challenge as they have had to extend the seating platforms to enable enough room between the rows.
We are still getting quotes and professional advice regarding projector equipment for this theatre which we see as showing mainstream films.
The cinema industry is in the middle of a world-wide change to digital format and we do not want to spend too much on 35 millimetre film equipment. So we are working out options for using the best of our existing equipment in combination with a second hand projector.
For the downstairs theatre we are consulting with sound and theatre lighting specialists for the necessary equipment to get the space functional as a performing arts space.
So things are proceeding well and we are on track for opening this year. We will announce a date for this soon.
Thank you for your continued support and good wishes.

Regards,
Margot McRae,
Co-Chair VTT

14th May, 2010

To Friends of the Victoria Theatre,

There has been a great deal of progress with the refurbishment of the Victoria Theatre in the last few weeks.A brand new ventilation system has been installed which brings fresh air into both upper and lower theatres and this week a new heating system will be installed.
The small upstairs theatre, the George is being enlarged, painted and new seats will be installed. This will be a digital projection theatre delivering quality movies
in a comfortable setting.
Re-painting the foyer will begin soon and then we will start on painting the facade of the theatre.
While so much renovation activity is taking place it is simply not possible to have any Friends events in the theatre or bar area for the time being.
We are still on track to get the theatre opened this year and will keep you informed of our progress.

Thank you for your support for this exciting project.

Regards,
Margot McRae
Co-Chair VTT

Chairman’s Report from AGM - April 20th

27 April, 2010, by The Victoria Theatre Trust.